Stillman Meservey gets memorial stone

January 1, 2012

A new headstone in Oakland Cemetery marks the grave of Stillman Meservey. He was a prominent figure in early Fort Dodge history. Among other things, he was the judge who presided over moving the Webster County seat from Homer to Fort Dodge, he established the first gypsum mill and USG, he held various banking interests, helped found Fort Dodge Light and Power, the street railway system and an implement company. He also served as Fort Dodge mayor for three terms and had several terms as a representative.In the 1920s, his fortunes collapsed. Meservey lost a great deal of money in Florida land investments and died penniless. He didn’t even have enough money to cover his funeral and medical expenses and therefore he never had a memorial stone. Thanks to USG, Kallin-Johnson Monument Co., and the Oakland Cemetery Commission, Stillman Meservey now has a memorial stone.Pictured are employees of USG in Fort Dodge.Kneeling in front are Terry Ellis, left, and Mark McCrady.In back from left are Wayne Myers, Dale Myers, Randie Phipps, James Phipps, Francis Ferry and Pat Ferry.